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Glucan Supplementation Has Strong Anti-melanoma Effects: Role of NK Cells

Vaclav Vetvicka1, Jana Vetvickova2

  • 1University of Louisville, Department of Pathology, Louisville, KY, U.S.A. Vaclav.vetvicka@louisville.edu.

Anticancer Research
|September 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Insoluble yeast-derived beta-glucan (β-glucan) shows promise in melanoma treatment by reducing tumor growth and enhancing chemotherapy. Its positive effects on survival are partly mediated by natural killer (NK) cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a natural glucose polymer known for its immunomodulatory effects.
  • It has demonstrated benefits in infectious diseases and cancer therapy.
  • The impact of β-glucan on melanoma, a growing concern, remains less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan on melanoma cell growth.
  • To assess β-glucan's impact on tumor progression and survival in animal models.
  • To explore the role of natural killer (NK) cells in mediating these effects.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan to melanoma-bearing animal models.
  • Evaluation of tumor weight, lung metastasis, and animal survival rates.
  • Assessment of blood cell damage and potentiation of chemotherapy effects.
  • Utilizing NK cell depletion to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Main Results:

  • β-Glucan supplementation significantly reduced tumor weight and lung colonies.
  • Improved overall survival rates were observed in treated animals.
  • Glucan mitigated chemotherapy-induced blood cell damage and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
  • NK cell depletion partially abrogated the observed beneficial effects, indicating NK cell involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Insoluble yeast-derived β-glucan exhibits significant anti-melanoma properties.
  • β-Glucan offers a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma, possibly by modulating NK cell activity.
  • It may serve as an adjuvant therapy to potentiate conventional chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
Keywords:
GlucanNK cellsantibodiescancerimmunitymelanoma

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